Planning and Highways Lawyer (Corporate Governance)
Employer: Trafford Council
Location: Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Manchester, M32 0TH
Salary range: £40,777 – £50,269 (Band 8/9/10) dependent upon experience, plus market supplement of up to £2,080. Trafford Council is a Living Wage Employer.
Working pattern: Full time, 36.25 hours per week, Monday – Friday. Contract type: Permanent. Flexibility is available and hybrid working in the office and at home is possible. Please contact Sajal Lenahan at sajal.lenahan@trafford.gov.uk for details. Application deadline: 23rd November 2025. Interview type: In person.
About the Role
Due to the recent expansion of the Council’s Corporate Governance team, we have an exciting opportunity for a Planning and Highways Lawyer to join the Council’s Litigation Team. We are looking for an experienced lawyer with the drive and determination to contribute to the team’s exciting vision.
The role is within the Legal Services Corporate Governance Team, which provides legal advice, assistance and representation to the Council, its elected members, its officers, schools and other clients in a wide range of areas including planning law, criminal and civil law, regulatory law and enforcement, community safety, employment law and debt recovery.
The post holder will support stakeholders by providing specialist and proactive legal advice and assistance across a range of areas arising within the post holder’s area of responsibility including, but not limited to:
* Planning, including section 106 agreements, certificates of lawfulness, planning, planning enforcement and planning appeals
* Highways including section 38 agreements, traffic orders and tree preservation orders
* Environment including housing, building control and dangerous buildings
* Local government law
* Data protection
About You
The post holder will be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered lawyer/Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives holding a current practising certificate.
Experience in one or more of the areas listed above and will be capable of:
* Developing and advising on a wide range of high‑level, complex and sensitive work
* Representing Legal Services at committee meetings and other meetings of the Council, and representing the Council’s interests with external organisations
* Supporting the Principal Solicitors, Monitoring Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer as required
* Possessing up‑to‑date knowledge of national trends, policy, legislation, guidelines, initiatives and best practice in legal and local government
* Ensuring that the service meets all statutory requirements and responsibilities
* Communicating and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, building partnerships and productive working relationships to achieve shared objectives
Additional responsibilities include preparing and conducting cases on behalf of the Council in Magistrates, County and High Courts and before other courts and tribunals; drafting legal documentation; providing concise and clear advice; carrying out legal research and analysis; and applying commercial awareness and a “can do” approach. The role requires ability to adapt to challenges outside your field of expertise and strong commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
About Us
Trafford Council and its partners in the public, private and third sectors have a vision to work together to close inequality gaps and maximise Trafford’s potential. Our vision: Trafford where all our residents, businesses and communities thrive. Trafford is a lively, prosperous place to put down roots and build a career. The council and Trafford schools employ around 8,000 people, who are central to making the area great. In return for their commitment, the council offers its employees development opportunities, a fair and flexible workplace, and a living wage.
About the Benefits
You will be welcomed into a friendly environment where your personal and professional development will be encouraged. You will have the opportunity to work and grow in a people‑centred and values‑based organisation that promotes a positive culture. Your opinions matter so you will have the opportunity to shape how we do things here at Trafford.
Contact Details
For an informal discussion, or to find out more about the role, please email Sajal Lenahan at sajal.lenahan@trafford.gov.uk.
Note: This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications. Please do not delay in submitting your application.
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